Post 16 Free School Proposal & FAQs

We have chosen to apply to open a free school to increase the opportunities for students with learning difficulties (LD) at Post 16. A new school would give young people a greater choice of subjects and courses to choose from, for example catering and horticulture. Courses would support individual therapy needs whilst incorporating skills/experiences for work/employability. English and Maths would be part of the core offer. Staff would be specialist trained to meet students specific needs e.g. communication needs, ASD approaches.

As part of this process we need to consult with you.

On Friday 27 January 2017, Mrs Millard and Mrs Coy met with parent groups, partners and other stakeholders to discuss the proposal. Please find below, some of the key questions and answers.

When you have read them, please complete our one question survey by clicking on the Post 16 Free School Proposal Response link at the top and bottom of this page:

FAQs

When would the college open?

If the application is passed then this time period is called the pre-opening period. This period of time can be anything from 12 months to 18 months. Therefore opening would be hoped for Easter 2019.

Who will be able to attend the college?

All students must have an Education Health Care Plan clearly outlining the support they need with their learning. Students may have a combination of needs for example communication and medical needs or a diagnosis of autism along with emotional anxiety. The college will have admission criteria to ensure the support and the courses on offer are right for the young person. As part of the criteria all students need to have a learning difficulty. It is students with a diverse complexity of need that the college will support admissions.

Where will the college be situated?

This will be decided when once the application has been approved. The Local Authority help to find a site that is appropriate for the college. It will be based in North Lincolnshire.

Will students attend the college five days a week? Will they be full days?

This will depend on the individuals programme. Programmes initially will be planned for 25 hours per a week.

Will students attend the college past the age of eighteen years?

Students can only continue studying past the age of eighteen years old if they are making educational progress within their accreditation unit qualification. The majority of students, it is envisaged, would continue to progress through their qualification in Years 12, 13 and 14. In Year 14 students would be working towards their transition. The college will support transition towards the next steps for the young person for example if a student is moving onto a different college course, starting an apprenticeship or following a social care pathway using their personalised budget. This might involve regular transition meetings and liaison with colleagues in adult health and social care. The student may leave within year 14 not necessarily at the end.

What will the students learning programme look like? What accreditation will be available?

All students will have core components of their course; these will include Literacy, Communication, Numeracy, Employability and Sport and Leisure. Other areas will be optional, these include: Horticulture, Lifeskills, Performing Arts, Catering and Hospitality. Some students will have extended work placements whereas others will experience different places of work.

The students will be encouraged to engage with activities within their local communities as part of their learning programme. This might include local shops, Community Well Being Hubs and Leisure facilities.

The learning programme will be formed through work with the student on their end destination; skills identified for later life will be developed throughout the course.

Accreditation will most likely follow the ASDAN Lifeskills Challenge with some variation depending on the needs of each cohort. Separate English and Maths accreditation will be followed. The important factor is that the college will build on the skills learnt and the knowledge gained in the previous setting and ensures that all students continue to make progress.

Will there be physiotherapy input?

It is the college intention that any therapy programmes advised by a health professional will be part of the study programme. We are currently working with colleagues from health to develop how this would be implemented. Students will also have access to other therapies if necessary e.g. drumming therapy and sensory interventions.

Will lunch be provided?

Lunch will be provided at a charge for the student. Depending on the young person’s programme they may have lunch out in the community during the week or they may prepare and cook their own lunch as part of their programme. Students will also be able to bring packed lunch.

Will transport be available?

Transport will need to be applied for which is the process for every Year 11 at transition into Year 12. If the student meets the transport eligibility criteria then it would be provided. Travel training would also form part of the curriculum for those students for whom this would be appropriate.

Will there be extra-curricular activities/opportunities

This is something that we would need to consult further with yourselves and students in order to consider how this will be developed.

Will my child be taught by a qualified teacher?

There will be qualified teachers who will plan and deliver. Sometimes the student may be in a smaller group with a learning support assistant completing the activities organised by the teacher.

Will staff be able to carry out personal care and administer medication?

Yes staff will be trained in individual medical needs and whole school policies to ensure all medical and care needs are provided for.

What support will be in place at unstructured times e.g. breaks, lunchtimes?

Staff will be allocated duties within unstructured times. There will be no unsupervised time during the college day.

Will there be an Open Door policy?

Parent and carers will be welcome at the college, nevertheless this needs to be organised as to ‘when’ to ensure staff are available.

Will this just be an off shoot of St Hugh’s School?

The college is not a mirror image of the current provision. It is being developed to offer further curriculum opportunities.

Will there be day trips and residential visits?

There will be day trips as part of the curriculum offer if appropriate to the individual learning pathway. There is a possibility of a residential.

Support our proposal to apply to open a Post 16 Free School by completing the response form: